National Oldest Child Day

An image of a mature older sibling guiding their younger siblings with an outstretched hand, showcasing their leadership and protective role. The older sibling is dressed in casual attire, representing their relatability and approachability. The scene is set in a cozy living room, symbolizing the warmth of familial bonds.. — National oldest child day illustration

Cheers to the trailblazers of every family, the heroes who had to brave the unknowns of parental rules and set the standards for their younger siblings. Yes, we are talking about the 'oldest child'. Now, what if there was a day just to celebrate them? Well, take a seat and sip your coffee because, despite a tiny online footprint, 'National Oldest Child Day' really is a thing!

When is Oldest Child Day?

It's national oldest child day on the 12th August.

A Day for the Elderly...of the Siblings

The history of National Oldest Child Day is a bit enigmatic, much like the stoicism often awarded to the oldest child. We only spotted four mentions of this day on the internet, the most significant cluster of chit-chat occurring on August 12, 2019. It appears a select few individuals decided to toast to the oldest kids of the world, a tribute to their veiled sacrifices and unintended leadership roles. There's limited information about who initiated it or why it dove under the radar. Nonetheless, it's an interesting concept that we think deserves a bit of limelight. Don't you agree?

A Token of Appreciation

Often painted as the responsible one, the oldest child is usually a family’s first voyage into parenthood. They’re served a buffet of expectations and rules to abide by, an etiquette which often becomes more lenient for the younger siblings. This day is all about appreciating the silent strength of oldest children, who've inadvertently been pillars for their younger siblings, helping them navigate through life.

Let's Celebrate!

If these cries for attention were heard, how would the world celebrate National Oldest Child Day? Perhaps they could take the reins off the oldest for a day, and let them bask in the laurels of their younger siblings' freedoms. Or maybe, simply acknowledging the management responsibilities that fell on them at such a young age would be a good start. Whichever way it's celebrated, it’s important to remember the day emphasizes on love, family and a bit of amiable sibling rivalry.

History behind the term 'Oldest Child'

Prehistoric times

The ancient birth order

Before the term 'oldest child' was coined, the concept of birth order existed in prehistoric times. In these early human societies, the oldest child often held a position of responsibility and authority within the family. As the firstborn, they were seen as the future leader and were tasked with carrying on the family lineage.

Ancient Egypt (3100 BCE - 332 BCE)

Inheritance and primogeniture

In ancient Egypt, the concept of primogeniture gained significance. Primogeniture refers to the practice of passing down inheritance, land, and other possessions to the firstborn child. The oldest child held a privileged position in society as they were considered the rightful heir and successor to their parents' wealth and status.

Ancient Greece (776 BCE - 323 BCE)

The power of the firstborn

In ancient Greece, being the oldest child was deeply valued. The firstborn son, in particular, held great significance as he was expected to continue the family name, inherit his father's properties, and carry out family traditions. The oldest child often received the best education and had the highest chance of achieving political and social prominence.

Medieval Europe (5th - 15th centuries)

Primogeniture in feudal society

During the Middle Ages, primogeniture became a common practice in feudal societies throughout Europe. The oldest child, typically the oldest son, inherited the family's land, titles, and wealth. This preserved the family's estate and ensured the continuation of the family lineage. The eldest child's birth order played a crucial role in determining their future position in society.

Modern era

Psychological research on birth order

In the 20th century, the study of birth order gained attention in the field of psychology. Researchers explored the influence of birth order on personality development, relationships, and achievements. Though not universally applicable, many studies suggested that oldest children tended to be more responsible, achievement-oriented, and conscientious. However, it is important to note that individual differences and other factors also contribute to personality development.